CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

Definition of catching

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

That play was Santa Margarita royalty at its best — a Mosley catching a touchdown pass from a Palmer, the son of the head coach. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 For 35 years, my entire lifetime, Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and their team at Sony Pictures Classics have made sure audiences catch the movies worth catching. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

Many kinds of infectious agents are spread through contact with fomites, including influenza viruses, norovirus, and rotavirus.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
As for the neighborhood, the Brera district is a favorite of both locals and visitors with its unique atmosphere that combines the best of historic Milan with the restless and infectious energy of the city’s creative scene today.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of infectious

Verb

San Martin was also tasked with grabbing the cash tray, which contained $17,000.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
The question of how law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services will be affected by these potential tax cuts have fueled headline-grabbing debates across the state.

— Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabbing

Verb

Now, Tan-Gillespie is tasked with getting KFC’s American business back on track as the brand faces growing competition paired with more health-conscious and cash-strapped consumers.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Before Rover, success meant getting promotions, landing bigger clients and climbing the corporate ladder.

— Sally Simmons, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

But Pollard was ruled down just outside the end zone in the second quarter, and Cleveland turned the Titans over on downs with Maliek Collins stopping Pollard on fourth-and-goal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
But there's nothing stopping users from posting images or videos made with third party filters to the platform — or onto TikTok and Instagram, for that matter.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

The victory also adds another chapter to Lula's long political career, securing him a fourth, nonconsecutive presidential term.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
That collaboration sent their profile skyrocketing, driving monthly streams from a few thousand to 6 million, securing them an NPR Tiny Desk concert, and a spot as openers for Bad Bunny’s world tour.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of securing

Verb

A week ago, the Chiefs were in Seattle, who signed cornerback Terrion Arnold in August, knowing Arnold is still facing eight first-degree felony chargers, including three counts of kidnapping, which could carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
When the three networks divided up the Big Ten’s TV games last spring, Byczek said NBC also zeroed in on that game, as well as USC’s matchups with Ohio State and Penn State, knowing both would fit well featured in prime time.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of knowing

Verb

In 2020, a group of political operatives working closely with Florida Power and Light sought to derail Rodríguez’s re-election campaign for the Senate by tricking voters into voting for an independent candidate with the same last name.

— Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
The top-performing red teamer on the original Arena was a lawyer from Melbourne who just happened to be good at tricking models into jumping their guardrails.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tricking

Verb

The incident began shortly before noon, when California Highway Patrol officers reported encountering a person armed with a knife during a traffic violation, according to the sheriff's office.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Yiyun Li on encountering the past in writing Music Against the Night.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026